Implications of the use of glyphosate-based herbicides in agriculture in Argentina Contribution of fungi to the development of bioremediation strategies

ALUFFI MELISA; CECILIA SOLEDAD CARRANZA ; KAREN MAGNOLI ; CARLA LORENA BARBERIS; CARINA ELIZABETH MAGNOLI

Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

Springer

Año: 2022

0718-9508

South American agriculture focuses on extensive cereal and oilseed production destined29 mainly for the international market, followed by the horticultural production that takes place30 near urban centres. Extensive agriculture involves the use of fertilizers and pesticides for31 pest control. Among the latter, glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are the most32 commercialized. In recent years, the increasing appearance of glyphosate (GP)-resistant33 weeds has led to the repeated application of higher doses of these products. Residual34 levels of the herbicides and their metabolites have therefore been reported in the35 environment, as well as toxic effects in animals and humans. The natural ability of bacteria36 and fungi to transform organic compounds in the environment has shown great potential to37 bioremediate GP in the soil. Some fungal species isolated from pesticide-contaminated38 sites are especially promising for this purpose, thanks to their enzymatic activity and their39 fast growth under optimal conditions. The present article offers an overview of the situation40 in Argentina regarding the use of GP. It also summarizes the data available which show a41 growing need to develop GP bioremediation strategies in the soil, based on the isolation of42 GP-degrading microorganisms adapted to water shortage conditions, such as fungi.